DCLM Daily Manna December 18, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi – Lift Him Up Always

Topic: Lift Him Up Always [December 18, 2016]

Text: 2 Chronicles 1:1-6

Key Verse: "And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly" (2 Chronicles 1:1).

A tender heart, carefully nurtured by the fear of the Lord, the word of God and His presence is always a delight to heaven. Such a heart is poised to receive an unquantifiable measures of blessings and revelations from the Almighty Himself. Solomon found himself in such state at the beginning of his reign. God honoured him for his commitment to Him and to His work.

He gave him wisdom and wealth which surpassed those of his predecessors and successors. God also ensured that Israel prospered in his days. In verse 6, Solomon "...went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it". When God fulfills His promise to bless us, it is only fair we reciprocate. There are two layers of showing gratitude. First, we must worship and praise Him, as did Solomon through the burnt offerings. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in Luke 17:17,18, revealed how glad God is when we return to Him in praise after He gives us victory and delivers us.

The second vital aspect of gratitude is to serve God in holy living and righteousness. The vessel of service of praise and worship must be sanctified, wholly given to a holy God Who detests defilement, backsliding and apostasy.

However, Solomon lacked that second level of being grateful to God for all the good He did to him. He forsook righteousness and holy living. This caused him a stain and equally disconnected him from God. The blessing he received from heaven became a snare that trapped him in sin and lust. As Christians desiring continuous and unbroken fellowship with God, we must not allow His gifts to take the place of worship in our lives. We must see the Giver as more precious than a mere gift.

Thought for the day: Exalt the Giver more than the gift

Bible Reading in one Year: Haggai 1-2